Survey Says...HUH?!?

A recent survey of 2,000 people shows that a virtually negligible number actually even recognize or see many of the more than 400 "green labels" which typically appear on the packages of consumer products. The good news in all of this is that if any of these label markers are disguising harmful behavior or participating in greenwashing at least very few people are falling for the message!

How do your shopping habits correlate with these results?

Do you believe that the sheer number of certifications and labels contributes to consumer inability to see the forest for the trees? Let us know!

Whadda Ya Do?!? Damaged Goods?

What happens when transparency slaps you in the face? In the case of the recent admission by the CEO of SIGG, makers of the ubiquitous (at least in green circles!) reusable water bottles, you now have your opportunity to find out. For some reason, the company decided (conscious decision) to not inform customers that earlier designs of their bottles contained "trace amounts of bisphenol A."

Now, we could take the decision to boycott the company (disassociate like Patagonia) and make them pay for their error in judgement. We could also take the time to read through the CEO's explanation and his apology and, if we really feel our power as consumers (feel it rising?!?!?), we could let him know he should never attempt this kind of stunt again. We could then inform him that we definitely approve of his growth as the head of a "green company" and that we will be watching and will encourage him to take a lead in encouraging all businesses to apply common sense safety and health standards to their products. After all, since it is our health and safety we need to protect, WE must take the initiative to hold companies accountable. Sometimes punishment is needed and other times encouragement is the best option.

Here is a link to the SIGG website regarding an exchange program.

Let them know what you think:

SIGG USA
1177 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 321-1220

Transitioning

Here is an interesting video about the sale of Dagoba Chocolate to Hershey's back in October 2006. Although the sale of the company had its critics, especially those who believe bigger ain't better, the goal of the sale was to gain a bigger platform and greater resources for high quality and sustainability. You be the judge!

Video

Here is a link to the website for Dagoba Chocolate:

Dagoba

Green Labeling Facing Crisis of Faith

I found this overview of the eco-label frenzy that has been riding the green wave of the past few years. We've written often on this blog of our feeling that much stricter oversight is needed to help these certifiers maintain high levels of integrity.

Much has been recently discussed regarding the horrible impact on global economies of a lack of regulation in the mortgage, banking and insurance industries to name a few. The eco-labels are also completely unregulated and consumers basically must depend upon instinct or hearsay to judge adherence to self-proclaimed standards. There certainly are many highly reputable and important certifiers around the world.

Take a look at the article and let us know how you feel some of these concerns can be addressed. How would consumers be able to hold these certifiers accountable for their claims?

Tracking Sustainability

Here is an interesting review of the usefulness of applying Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to identify what a company would need to do to capture the purchases of customers dedicated to supporting companies that engage in sustainable practices and produce products that are environmentally friendly.

It is suggested that this simple approach of getting to the core of consumer values can benefit both the bottom line and the sustainability of a company. By focusing on what consumers actually want and not what the companies think they want, everyone wins.

Take a look and let us know how you can integrate this perspective into your operations as a business owner or, how you think this information can be transmitted effectively to companies.

At the end of the day, an approach like this can truly put consumers in the driver's seat! Take advantage and push for sustainable business practices!

Greening Your Business Isn't Always Costly!

Here is a nice feel good story of a small vineyard taking the initiative to become a "certified green" business through Alameda County's (California) Green Business Program. To date, there are over 450 certified green businesses in the county. The Cedar Mountain Winery uses beneficial insects, a contained waste water system, and maintains owl boxes to keep rodent damage to a minimum. These and numerous other efforts have help them achieve this certification by using common sense much of the time. Sure you could spend a bunch of money on major renovations and new technologies. but most of the time, changing the way basic things are done is the best method to attack sustainability. After all, it is a journey!

To be certified by the Green Business Program, all businesses must meet set standards in energy conservation, environmental law compliance, water conservation, waste reduction and pollution prevention. I would love to take a look at their certification criteria to get a better idea as to what levels the issues are investigated and monitored.